Gov. Steve Beshear on Friday released a statement that said Henry’s previous work with veterans’ organizations led to her appoitnment. After she became Miss America in Sept. 1999, Henry founded the Heather French Foundation for Veterans.

“Heather is highly motivated and has vast experience assisting and creating programs for veterans throughout the Commonwealth and the nation,” Beshear said in the statement. “As the department’s new commissioner, she will continue our mission to raise awareness and offer services to our veterans.”

She replaces former Northern Kentucky Congressman Ken Lucas, who will oversee the construction of Kentucky’s fourth veterans’ nursing home in Radcliff.

Read or Share this story: http://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/politics/2014/05/30/former-miss-america-head-ky-veterans-affairs/9778135/